Poor Baby

Alathea got her 1st real sickness this past week. It's funny to me that it came after her first try at Children's Ministry...many Mom's warned me to wait until spring to put her down there because she'd get sick. My thought was that she made it a year with out getting sick, that she'd be fine. Last Monday morning she woke up with a nasty caugh...when I finally took her to the DR's on Friday it turned out she had a mild bronchiolitis. Now that a week has past she is feeling much better. The only way I know she is still sick is her four hour naps (yes, I said four hours!). I decided she needs her sleep so I don't wake her up. Although I obviously want her to feel better, I have enjoyed all the snuggles, cuddles and naps in bed together! She's on the move again, so I'm glad I enjoyed the short season :)

Mom's Journal - Entry #3

Here is the third entry in my Mom's Journal. She wrote this a few days after discovering her cancer was terminal. We still aren't sure who she wrote this for or why she did it...but we are so glad to have these nuggets of gold from her. This is a picture of my Mom & I when I was Alathea's age. I've got it hanging on her wall.

"The next thing God taught me is: His Grace is sufficient fr me in my weakness. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 Paul asked God three times to take away his thorn in the flesh. God's response was His grace is sufficient in our weakness. Many times I have asked God for healing and so far his response has been His Grace. But don't ever minimize the grace. I know I can face the roughest storm, the worst news, even death and God's grace will carry me through.

I used to fear my Mom's death- even though I know the only thing I need to fear is God alone But how rich and real was God's grace as I walked through Mom's death. He gave me the strength to take care of her while she was dying and to plan and speak at her funeral. His comfort so relieved any pain of missing her. It truly amazed me, hoe sufficient God's grace really is in our time of need.

Grandma died well. She wasn't afraid of death and looked forward to being with Jesus."

...I can say the same for my mom!

Alathea's 1st Birthday

Birthday Girls...Aunt Mimi came in town from Florida...they share the same birthday!


Pop-Pop came in town from Maryland to spend the weekend with Alathea...yippee!


Birthday girl at her party...surrounded by toys already


She had a blast "eating" her cake...



My pink soccer ball from Greg & Hilary!



Pop-Pop is here!


The hats I made for the kiddo's...princess & frog prince hats


Drinking my milkshake


Playing at NorthLake


Dressed as a princess and ready for my party

I know Alathea's b-day was one week ago, but I am just now getting to posting about the day! It certainly was a day of celebrating...all day long. Alathea woke up to a special breakfast of strawberries, yogurt and chocolate chips...yummy. Then during her nap I went to get "Pop-Pop" (my dad) from the airport. He flew in to spend the day with Alathea! What an amazing grandpa. We took her to lunch at Northlake Mall, where she also played for over an hour in the childrens play area (her favorite), got a choclate milkshake (also a favorite) and picked out a present from Pop-Pop at the toy store. She did all this while wearing a beautiful "1st Birthday Princess" hat :).

Her day was fun, but the night only got better. At 5pm she had a big "Princess & Frog Prince" party over at Grammy & Grandpa's house. Joe's Aunt Mimi even flew in from Florida to be at the party (it was her birthday too!). All of the kids wore hats...wither princess tiera's or frog hats, and the girls even had wands. It was really cute. We did the traditional party stuff...ate dinner, watched a slide show of Alathea's life (which she was dancing too during the party), opened presents & ate cake. Alathea LOVED her own personal cake. She really loved having all the attention at her party...she'd start laughing as others laughed at her. We were blessed to have quite a huge crowd at the party. We didn't mean to have it so big...but after inviting family, Alathea's friends & parents and then her many babysitters, it kept growing. It was a big expression of love to us that people would show up to a One year olds birthday party...especially the babysitters...Thank you!

One thing that I love about Alathea's personality is that she is very girly, yet very active. Two of her favorite gifts were her baby dolls & their stroller (she immediately knew to hug them, put them in the stroller & push them around) AND a little pink soccer ball. I find it too cute to see her playing with both entusiastically in the same day.

Well, there you have her birthday...one big day-long celebration (thats what my Mom did for us growing up...we were treated like princes and princesses...its fun to carry on the treadition!).

Happy 1st Birthday, Alathea Joy!

Alathea turns one year old today! Amazing! I never could have anticipated one year ago that she would be such a bundle of joy, delight, so fun, so beautiful, that I would cherish her this much or that I would absolutely LOVE being her momma. I love you, baby girl! Happy 1st Birthday!

I read this today: "You know you are a real mom when you cheer your childs milestones but secretly wish they would stay babies forever". (How true!)

Alathea's b-day is Feb 10th (not the 9th like the above dates says :)

Lunch Time

This was Alathea's 1st day feeding herself with a spoon. It started out great...she had the idea. I think it started to take way too long, so she ditched the spoon and fed herself with her hands. By the end of lunch it was "drinking" her applesauce out of the bowl. She's soooo much fun. Tons of personality and an amazing amount of energy. She turns ONE on Saturday! Yikes!

Oh, and I'm "trying" this template for a little while. I really liked it on my friend, Eileen's blog, so I thought I'd copy her :) Thanks, Eileen. I think you can see the pictures better.

SNOW DAY

It really snowed in Charlotte...hard to believe! We knew the snow wouldn't last long (it didn't even last the entire day), so we bundled Alathea up first thing in the morning and went out to play. She enjoyed it so much that I took her out again after her morning nap and we lasted almost two hours! Her favorite thing was eating the snow. Since she had mittens on, she had to bend over mouth first to eat it...off the bushes, the rocking chair, the birdfeeder, the ground...I know its kinda gross, but I was laughing way too hard to stop her!

Mom's Journal - Entry #2

Here is the second entry in my Mom's Journal she wrote in May 2004. I miss her so much!

"2. The next thing God taught me is He is good & soverign & worthy of my trust. Philippeans 4:6-7 says to have NO ANXIETY about ANYTHING but through PRAYER to let my requests be made know to God and the Peace of God which surpasses all understanding will keep your hearts & mind on Christ. This verse became real as I got bad news that the cancer had metastisized to my liver. But I learned t pray and give all my requests to God. I asked for faith & He gave it to me. It taught me to ask and pray more and what rich blessings God wants to give us. As I prayed and gave evryting to God and trusted in His Goodness and Soverignty, His Wonderful Peace surrounded me. Oh what a wonderful thing to trust in God and rest in His wonderful peace. I got more bad news about the carcinoid (cancer) spreading to my abdomen and contricting my ureter, BUT I was filled with His peace because I first understood the GOOD NEWS is the GOSPEL- not I'm free of cancer."

By the way, I LOVE this picture of Mom. She loved to dance, which she couldn't do at all the last two years of her life. Praise the Lord, she is dancing now more than ever before!

Mom's Journal - Entry #1

Friends, my Dad stumbled upon this little journal of Mom's sometime last week. None of us knew it existed or that she has written in it. It appears she cracked it open the summer of 2004, following a surgery that brought some dscouraging news. While she went into the surgery with doctors assuming this could be the end of all cancer for her, they ended up sewing her back up removing nothing at all: the cancer had spread all through out her abdomen. Except for a miracle, it was only a matter of time befor the cancer would take her life.

These five little journal entries are Mom's response to some seemingly horrific news. It's incredible. I guess will never know why she wrote this or who she intended to read it. I'm thanking the Soveriegn Lord for providing such rich words from my momma...you can hear her speaking as you read it. This gives you a glimpse of what a godly woman she was. I will post all five entries eventually (they are even more amazing all together), but for now here is the first. I only wish I could post it in her own handwriting. Be encouraged...


"5/29/04...I wanted to share some of the things God has taught me in the past 5 years of having cancer.
1. The most important thing I've learned: Salvation & the gift of spending eternity in Heaven is the most important gift I will ever recieve. When you face death the only important thing is where you will spend eternity. Thank you Lord for dying for me and taking my wrath & punishment on the cross. Therefore, because I have confessed my sins and asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior, forever I can look forward to Heaven. Tis effects my daily life because I want to live my life today and throughout eternity to glorify God. When you focus on the cross the cares of life don't seem so overwhelming. An eternal perspective puts everything in the right perspective. I don't ever want to take my salvation for granted- no matter how great I feel and wonderful all my circumstances are. My salvation is of first and greatest importance."

"Aunt Julie"

She's pretty much the most amazing girl you'll ever meet. I mean that seriously. I've told her before that she is one of my Heroes. My sister Julie loves the Lord with an amazing passion. She has trusted the Lord through these past eight years of Mom's battle with cancer, and even in her death. She has never once complained, never shaken her fist at God and has only continued to REJOICE in the midst of her own pain. She displays the most genuine Joy I have ever seen in a person (genuine because it is rooted in the Lord, not circumstances). She also is completly others focused.

With all this said, she is not only one amazing sister, but an absolutely incredible Aunt. I'll let this picture speak for itself.

I sure do love you, Goober!

Alathea...our bundle of Joy...she's really walking now!

Alathea is our little bundle of Joy. Even at my saddest times of missing my Mom its hard to stay that way long with her around. She is walking 100% of the time now! Her first steps were almost 2 months ago and it took her until this past two weeks to really get the hang of walking. She's just recently gone "cold turkey" on crawling...all while she still isn't a superb walker...which has led to multiple bumps and bruises! Today we were out on our "Family Fun Day" at the mall and she decided to "jump" out if the stroller head first! (Yes, we do normally strap her in!). This is a small example of how "on the go" our little girl is.

I am trying to post a short video of her walking...will do if I can figure it out! (Also, how do I flip these pictures :)

Ft. Myers Beach

As you can see we had an AMAZING trip with my family & extended family to Ft. Myers Beach, Florida the week after Christmas. It was a wonderful time to have fun with the family, especially after such a difficult year of Mom's illness and death. God blessed every aspect of it- even the weather was beautiful. We enjoyed many days on the beach (Alathea LOVES the beach!), jetskiing, bike riding, riding mopeds, eating seafood, watching fireworks on New Years Eve, lots of walks on the beach and enjoying quality time together as a family. Along with my Dad, Rocky & Julie, my Uncle Billy, Aunt Jeanie, Cousins Grace & Isaiah, Aunt Mary Beth, Cousin Ryan, Aunt Pat & Uncle Bill Ivins were all there as well. Fun times! A very special thanks to my wonderful Daddy who blessed us by paying for our complete trip! He is the most generous man I know!

Happy New Year!!

We hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas & a blessed New Year already! It's hard to believe that it is 2007! Wow, time sure flies. Just one year ago Joe & I hadn't had Alathea yet and my mom was still living. A lot can change in a year. While reflecting on this past year I realize the Lord has taught me so much... the biggest lesson of all be that He is Soverign, Good & All-Wise. In short, I've learned to trust Him more than ever before. Like the song says, "He gives and He takes away, and I will say 'blessed be your name".

Sorry to take so long to post, we've been "on the road, AGAIN!". No surprise really. Alathea & I enjoyed a week in MD with family and friends in Mid December. We drove up with my great friend, Rebecca Swan, after her baby shower here in NC. We celebrated my amazing sister, Julie's, 17th birthday. It was a blast. I LOVE being with Julie! (actually, everyone LOVES being with her...she really is amazing). We enjoyed a fun dinner out at a fancy chinese retsaraunt with Julie's "inner circle" of friends (which was over 35!). We also celebrated Christmas with my family while we were up there. I had a wonderful time taking lots of walks and going shopping almost daily with my daddy. We had lots of special time together. I also was able to see my brother Rocky, who is at U MD and some extended family. I have to thank my amazingly wonderful husband for not only releasing me to go to MD, but encouraging me to go. He is so sensitive to how difficult the Christmas was with out my mom and wanted me to see my family as much as possible. I love you so much, baby!

Once back in Charlotte, there was less than one week until Christmas! We enjoyed wonderful family time just the three of us! We drove to see Christmas lights and started new family traditions. Joe's grandmother, Mere, and Aunt Mimi came in town the week of Christmas. We spent at least part of everyday visiting with them and the rest of the Lechners. There was lots of food and lots of roudy games of domino's. It was fun spending so much time together. Alathea especially enjoyed her cousin Andrew, who is only 3 months younger than her. We enjoyed all of the Christmas party's and festivities until Joe got the nasty somach flu the day before Christmas Eve and we had to miss both services that day :( Paise God is was only 24 hours of sickness and the Lord protected the baby and I!

Christmas day was a special day- Alathea's 1st Christmas. She LOVES opening presents and enjoying her new toys :)

December 27th we flew to Ft. Myers Beach, Florida to enjoy a special vacation with my family! (Dad, Rocky, Julie, Uncle Billy, Aunt Pat & Uncle Bill, Aunt Jeanie & Grace & Isaiah, and Aunt Mary Beth with baby Ryan). My Aunt Pat owns a house on the beach and 4 of my mom's siblings and children all met there for a little family vacation. My Dad, being as AMAZINGLY generous as he is, paid for Joe & I completely as a Christmas gift. What a blessing! We were in Florida for an entire week...from Dec 277-Jan 3rd. We just flew in last night! I'll post more on this wonderful trip soon. For now, Happy New Year!

Thanksgiving Pictures

Fun with Daddy! He can always make her laugh.






Alathea is a true "Bowers" with her soccer ability so young!






Joe, Jeanie, Alathea, Rocky & Julie













Stopped in traffic for 3 hours...we made it fun :)











Fun with Aunt Julie (yes, she's eating desitin :)

Happy Birthday, Mom

Today is a difficult day for those in the Bowers family. It would have been my Mom's 51st birthday. Sadly for us, we can't be with her today. But happily for her, she gets to celebrate face-to-face with her Savior. Days like this I am reminded of how much I miss Mom, who was also my best friend. The pain of her loss hurts so bad. But, I already see much good that has come out of it in my own life. It has definatly made me aware of how desperate I am for my Lord to bring comfort...which He does so faithfully. Today I read with a face full of tears and a longing heart in Revelation 21:4, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." What an unshakable hope we have in the Lord! Every time I think of Mom I am reminded of her unwavering faith she had in the promises of God...which is why she had exuberant joy in the midst of the most intense pain & suffering, and even at the thought of death. She left an incredible legacy of Faith for us to follow. I sure loved my Mom! Say a prayer for my family today if you remember. (Oh, and just a thought the Lord was laying on my heart...pray for ALL families you know who have lost loved ones, whether this year or many years ago. Holidays can be a painful time of rememberance like no other time. I never understood this until now and wish I had been more full of compassion to pray. Thanks!)

Alathea's trying to Walk

It's hard to believe that our little 9 month old baby girl just started to take her first few steps. Monday, during family day, we were at Northlake Mall's play area & sure enough she let go of the bench & took a wobbly three steps before falling to the floor. She had a huge smile, hands in the air & squealed as she did it! Joe & I were smiling even bigger (I guess it's a first time parent thing). I'll post Thanksgiving & Knoxville pict's soon!

On the Road Again

Early Thursday morning we load up baby girl and head to Knoxville, Tennessee. We take an anual trip there each year to visit dear friends Mike & Elizabeth Plewniak (they lead the college ministry at University of Tenn...so we have quite a bit in common). We also bring along the interns (Dave& Anne, Katherine & Stretch) so they can learn from the interns at the church there. There is an added bonus this year, because I get to see my little Meg who moved to Knoxville this summer. Joe will be speaking Thursday night in Knoxville & then at Crossway on Sunday when we get home...keep him in your prayers!

We then head up to Maryland for the entire week of Thanksgiving (Monday-Sunday)...Yippee! I've been counting down the days to see my family. It will be so nice to have such an extended visit. We have lots of fun things planned...like shopping, the zoo, and catching up with friends. We can't wait! Although I am sure we will have a blast together, there still is an undeniable looming sadness at the loss of Mom. She hasn't even been gone three months yet. Please keep the entire family in your prayers as we approach the holiday season. Everything about the holidays reminds us of Mom and this will be the first ever with out her. Praise the Lord for the hope of Heaven & for the comfort he provides on earth at present. He has met each of us in our mourning...Thank you for your prayers!!

Our Little Cowgirl

Alathea went to her very first birthday party a few weeks ago...that of her very favorite friends CJ & Avery Balckburn. They had a big "Cowboy/Cowgirl" theme. It was lots of fun...Alathea especially enjoyed herself as she seemed to think it was actually her birthday (she sat next to Eileen and played with each toy that was opened immediately as if it was hers :). I'll post other party pic's later, but for now enjoy our little Cowgirl with her Shariff, Cousin Andrew (5 Months old).

Happy Fall

Alathea Joy at 8 Months
"Little Goose" riding in a wagon of Pumpkins

Recent family photo in Davidson

Alathea in a bunch of pumpkins

It's been a while since I've updated this! The little princess is keeping me busier than ever now! My only hope of even thinking of getting on the computer is during her nap time. Alathea is now "Cruising" all around the house, holding onto furniture or people and walking from thing to thing. Today she started letting go of the coffee table and standing alone for a few seconds at a time. She's pretty brave! She is also a ton of fun. She absolutely loves people (adults and other kids) and is a delight to play with. Some of her favorite activities now are feeding the ducks, reading her books, crawling around like crazy outside (and sometimes eating dirt- yuck!), playing with cousin Andrew or friends CJ & Avery, "helping" mommy make dinner, talking to Pop-pop on the phone every day, visiting Grammy, sitting on Daddy's lap & "driving" his car in circles on out Cul-de-sac and waiting at the glass door every day for Da-Da to come home!